Avatar: Fire and Ash Defies Critics with £136M Global Debut

While the latest entry in James Cameron’s celebrated sci-fi saga has not exactly been showered with critical praise, its performance at the box office tells a rather different story. Avatar: Fire and Ash, currently the least well-received chapter in the series according to review aggregators, has nonetheless managed to surpass £136 million globally in its opening days. This comes even as domestic forecasts suggested a more modest start compared to its predecessor, The Way of Water.

Box Office Triumph Amidst Mixed Reception

Despite ongoing debates about the franchise’s supposed lack of cultural resonance, such arguments appear to have little bearing on ticket sales. Early projections indicate that Fire and Ash is on course to secure between £340 million and £350 million worldwide during its opening weekend. As one social media user wryly observed,

“No cultural impact” just hit $136M. Interesting.

The film’s robust financial showing has prompted a flurry of online reactions, with another commentator noting,

136M already and people still praying for Avatar’s downfall 😭 Rent. Free. Every. Time.

Others have taken a more light-hearted approach, sharing memes and congratulatory messages as the film’s earnings continue to climb.

The film makers rn:

and

Wowwww amazing ❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥 Congrats ❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥

capture the general mood among supporters.

James Cameron’s Vision and Audience Appeal

James Cameron has previously remarked that the purpose behind these films was never to drive merchandise sales, but rather to immerse audiences in the vivid world of Pandora, particularly through premium cinema experiences. Given the enduring popularity of the earlier instalments, it is hardly surprising that viewers are turning out in force for what is being billed as the year’s most visually spectacular release.

Yet, the question remains: can Fire and Ash match the commercial heights reached by its forerunners? The initial figures, while impressive, still trail behind The Way of Water’s formidable £441.6 million opening. Domestically, the new film is expected to earn around 30% less than its immediate predecessor’s debut, though this does not necessarily preclude it from becoming another major box office success.

Long-Term Prospects and Franchise Momentum

Unlike many other blockbuster franchises, particularly those in the superhero genre, the Avatar series has never relied on a front-loaded opening weekend. The absence of spoiler-heavy discourse or elaborate fan theories means that these films tend to enjoy strong performance over several weeks, rather than peaking early. The Way of Water, for instance, achieved a fivefold multiplier on its opening weekend—a rare feat in today’s market.

With pandemic-related disruptions now largely behind us and little in the way of direct competition on the horizon, the third weekend’s takings will offer a clearer indication of Fire and Ash’s staying power. Even with optimistic multipliers, however, joining the elusive £2 billion club may prove a stretch. Still, as history has shown, it is unwise to underestimate Cameron’s ability to draw crowds.

Avatar: Fire and Ash is currently screening in cinemas nationwide.